Heart and Circulatory System
Your circulatory system is made up of your heart, blood, blood vessels and lungs. In your circulatory system your heart pumps blood transporting nutrients, water and oxygen to your bodys cells. Your circulatory system allows your lungs to rid the body of waste and carbon dioxide and bring oxygen into your blood.
Exercise and healthy eating are two ways you can help keep your circulatory system healthy. Smoking does damage to healthy blood circulation. When you smoke the carbon monoxide and nicotine entering your body have negative effects on your blood and blood vessels and constrict circulation.
Signs of poor circulation include cold hands and feet, numbness, dizziness, migraines, varicose veins and pain in your feet or legs. Consult a doctor if you have these symptoms. Untreated, poor circulation can lead to stroke, high blood pressure, kidney damage and other diseases.
Recently Answered
- Q Which patients benefit from balloon angioplasty over bypass surgery?
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There are two major groups of patients who may benefit from balloon angioplasty over bypass surgery: those who are at greater risk from open surgery and those who are young (in their 30s and 40s) who present with severe coronary artery disease. Full Answer
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- Q How does an electrocardiogram help diagnose heart disease?
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An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) records the electrical activity in your heart. During the test, small, sticky patches (called electrodes) are placed on different areas of the body. Wires leading from the patches to a computer carry a signal that traces... Full Answer
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- Q What happens the day after cardiac bypass surgery?
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Typically, on the day after cardiac bypass surgery, you will: Learn deep breathing and coughing exercises Sit up Drink clear liquids and, as tolerated, eat solid food Move out of intensive care. Wear a small, portable device that monitors your heart... Full Answer
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- Q What are inflamed plaques in arteries?
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Plaques, which are a build-up of fat and cholesterol in the arteries, can restrict blood flow to the heart and can cause chest pain or even a heart attack. But it is not just large plaques that spell trouble. Even moderate-sized plaques can be dangerous... Full Answer
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- Q What is an abnormal heart valve?
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Abnormal heart valves are those that do not fully open or close during each heartbeat. The problem can be present at birth or due to other causes like an infection with rheumatic fever. Normal heart valves act like doors. They open and close at... Full Answer
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- Q What does “cardiovascular” mean?
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Cardiovascular means “of or pertaining to the heart and blood vessels. (“Cardio” means heart; “vascular” means blood vessels.) The circulatory system of the heart and blood vessels is the cardiovascular system. Full Answer
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- Q What are cardiac enzymes?
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Cardiac enzymes are proteins in the body that are sometimes called heart damage markers because they are released into the bloodstream when heart muscle cells are damaged. There has been an increased emphasis on developing blood tests that detect injury... Full Answer
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- Q What does "cardiac" mean?
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Cardiac means “pertaining to the heart”: a cardiologist is a heart doctor; myocardial refers to heart muscle. Full Answer
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- Q Is a heart-lung machine used during heart valve replacement?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyYes; the heart needs to be stopped during this surgical procedure to replace a faulty heart valve. Because the heart is stopped, a heart-lung machine or bypass machine is used during the procedure. The machine is removed after the heart is restarted at... Full Answer
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- Q Where is the heart located in the chest?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThe human heart, which is normally about the size of your fist, is located behind and to the left of your breastbone, also called the sternum. Watch this animation to learn more about your heart and how it works. Full Answer
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